Company vehicles account for a significant percentage of all cars, trucks, vans and SUVs on the road. As a result, accidents involving company vehicles are relatively common.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a company vehicle, you may have a claim against the company instead of the driver. With this in mind, here is what you need to know about your legal rights:
You Will Most Likely Be Filing a Claim Under the Company’s Insurance Policy
Just like drivers, companies carry insurance to cover vehicle accidents. If you were involved in an accident involving a company vehicle, recovering your losses will most likely include filing a claim under the company’s insurance policy. Commercial liability insurance policies usually have much higher limits than those of drivers’ auto insurance policies; so, if you were seriously injured in the accident, you may have a better chance of securing full compensation.
You Need to Be Able to Identify the Company
To file a claim under the company’s commercial liability insurance, you need to be able to identify the company. Fortunately, this is pretty easy in most cases. The branding on the vehicle will often tell you what company is responsible. If this is not the case, your attorney can use the vehicle’s license plate information (or possibly other information) to determine what company is liable for your accident-related losses.
Companies Can Be Held Liable for Their Employees’ Negligence
Under New Jersey law, companies can be held liable for their employees’ negligence. So, even if your accident resulted from speeding, distracted driving or any other form of driver negligence, you can still most likely file a claim against the company.
Companies Can Also Be Held Liable for Their Own Mistakes
Companies can also be held liable for their own mistakes. For example, if the company hired an inexperienced driver, forced the driver to work long hours, or failed to properly maintain the vehicle involved in your crash, these are all possible grounds for pursuing a liability claim as well.
Pursuing a Commercial Liability Insurance Claim Presents Unique Challenges
Pursuing a commercial liability claim after an accident involving a company vehicle is unlike pursuing a regular auto insurance claim. As a result, to collect just compensation, you will need experienced legal representation. We have several lawyers who are experienced in handling company vehicle accident cases. If you have a claim against a company, our lawyers can use their experience to prove liability, accurately calculate your losses and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Talk to a New Jersey Accident Lawyer Today
If you were involved in an accident involving a company vehicle in New Jersey, you are encouraged to speak with an attorney right away. For a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced New Jersey accident lawyer at Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., call 877-435-6371 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
